Independent homes
Living room Colour Palette for Independent homes
Choose colour against the surfaces that will stay. Test it on a large sample at the room's brightest and darkest points.
Explore the ideas
Compare the options
- Set the brief
- Collect samples of permanent finishes, upholstery and hardware before picking a paint or laminate.
- Compare
- Assign a background colour, one wayfinding or feature colour, and contrast where people need to distinguish edges.
- Before buying
- Check painted or laminated samples vertically beside the same light source the finished room will use.
Worked example
A north-facing lounge makes a cool gray sofa and wall paint appear flat through the day.
Test large paint and textile samples in morning and evening light, keeping the permanent floor visible beside them.
How to test it
Compare the samples in daylight and artificial light, and check that handles and door edges remain easy to distinguish.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Create a conversation group near the entry and a quieter edge toward the garden or family zone.
- Detail
- Use durable upholstery and more than one lighting circuit for gatherings and daily use.
- Trade-off
- A single flexible room saves area but offers less acoustic separation.
- Check views from entry and seating
- Test evening light at each activity zone
The Elixir portfolio
Details worth a closer look
